fool's paradise(pipe dream)

play the ostrich

overshoot the truth

Unable to speak in self-defense under certain circumstances

be able to rally multitudes at one's call

brief and to the pointe

A single leaf the eyes blocks out the view of a mountain

cannot help doing something(can not refrain from carrying on; be unable to stop even though one wants to)

extremely suspicious

give one's whole mind to

dimly (indistinctly;vaguely )

full of life

repulse attacks

harsh punishments and strict laws

stand ready in battle array

sing with outstretched neck

appeal to both the more and the less cultured

boundless ambition

calligraphic flourish with many twists, fig. many twists and turns

effective strength(troops)